Due to limited government resources, private builders and developers are forced to wait up to four years for permits, costing thousands of dollars and unnecessarily slowing down economic activity. It shouldn’t take this long.

My new Timely Permitting Accessibility Act will allow private entities to pay for additional U.S. Army Corps of Engineers staff to help expedite the slow permitting process. The Timely Permitting Accessibility Act will give businesses the same access to permits that ports and utilities have used so successfully, while maintaining the same environmental protections.

This bipartisan economic solution will allow businesses to further invest in our economy, create jobs, and save taxpayer dollarsRead more about my bill here.

Parents deserve the facts about prenatal screenings

In the last few years, more and more expectant parents have been made aware of cell free DNA prenatal screenings – but there is still very little detailed information made available to parents about their usefulness, and their limitations. Please read about my new legislation to require better information for parents and providers about these screenings.

I’ll never forget what it was like when we were told we were facing a challenging pregnancy, and I know any parent given this news faces a situation fraught with challenges. We must make sure parents have all of the facts. Read more about my new bill here.

Community meeting in White Salmon

Since taking office, I've hosted open community meetings throughout Southwest Washington for residents to come and speak their mind, ask questions and share ideas. Thank you to the many folks who took the time to come to my recent Centralia, Raymond, and White Salmon ”community coffees.” There were great questions, comments, and lively discussions.

Last week, I hosted a community coffee in White Salmon for local residents. One of the topics that came up several times was the out-of-control number of government regulations. See the 6 inch stack I’m holding in this photo? That’s one week’s worth of new federal regulations. I’m working in Congress to reduce the most unnecessary and burdensome regulations in DC that impact individuals and businesses 3,000 miles away in Southwest Washington.

Late last year, James Brady of Longview unexpectedly stopped receiving his Social Security checks. As a result, his Medicare premium was no longer being paid. He repeatedly contacted the Social Security Administration to resolve the problem but they were unresponsive. Mr. Brady learned that he had an outstanding Medicare bill of $1,700 and he was about to lose his coverage.

He contacted my office and we contacted the Social Security Administration right away. The problem with Mr. Brady’s Medicare bill was resolved and is payments were resumed immediately.

Are you having an issue with a federal agency? My office is here to help! Please contact us at
(360) 695-6292 or by visiting JHB.House.Gov.